As the first few practices come to a close, the Giants' coaching staff has a tough choice to make. They have five defensive ends, three of which are extremely talented and could be starting across the league, no question. However, the Giants don't have it that easy.
Obvious starter is six-year veteran Justin Tuck, who put together 59 tackles and six sacks last season. What's not so obvious is who will start on the other end of the line. Fierce competition is starting to brew in camp, especially between Mathias Kiwanuka and Osi Umenyiora, two vets that were both Giants draft picks. Kiwanuka has more starting experience, as Umenyiora has seen a career plagued with injuries, but that doesn't make the decision any easier.
Umenyiora has made it quite clear he wants to start, and will not hide his unhappiness if he's left off the starting roster when the regular season begins. He wants this year to be his best, and he's even putting off surgery to focus on his gridiron play. Kiwanuka has been getting most of the starts with the first team at camp, however, and is in a contract year hoping to secure a future deal with New York.
The Giants can't rule out the capabilities of first-round draft pick, Jason Pierre-Paul, who recently signed a five-year deal. He may be young and new to the professional level, but he's ready and willing to learn all he can about the Giants' system and curriculum. According to ESPN.com, Giants head coach Tom Coughlin sees a lot of potential in Pierre-Paul, and is willing to give him an early start if he does well during preseason practice sessions.
There's also four-year veteran Dave Tollefson. He hasn't posted the strongest career to date, but he's not one to be ruled out. He saw action in 15 games for the Giants last season, posting 14 tackles and one sack.
While the starting job will likely go to Kiwanuka, the competition is heating up fast, and though it looks like Umenyiora is the top challenger, Pierre-Paul could impress in camp and make a surprise start early in the season.
Let the games begin.
